Channel Certification Checklist
Before a property can go live on OTA channels (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo), it must meet minimum content and data requirements. Argonautas checks your property in two places:
- The readiness strip at the top of the property's edit page lists the listing checks that still fail, on every tab.
- A connected channel's Readiness section lists the errors that block activation and the warnings to look at.
Checking Readiness
On the Property Edit Page
- Open Properties and click the property.
- Read the strip above the tabs, for example "3 of 6 checks failing".
- Click a failing check to open the tab that fixes it.
When every check passes, the strip disappears and a Ready badge appears next to the page title. See Listing Readiness for the list of checks.
For a Connected Channel
- Open the property's Channels tab.
- Click Settings on the connected channel.
- Read the Readiness section. Errors block Activate. Warnings don't. When nothing is wrong it says "Ready to activate."
Fix every error before you activate the channel.
Required Fields
Basic Information
| Field | Requirement | Where to set it |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active | Property tab, Basic Information |
| Property name | Not empty | Property tab, Basic Information |
| Property type | Set | Property tab, Basic Information |
| Bedrooms | Set | Property tab, capacity row |
| Bathrooms | Set | Property tab, capacity row |
| Max guests | At least 1 | Property tab, capacity row |
| Description | Not empty; 200+ characters for the readiness strip | Property tab, Property Description |
Location
| Field | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Street address | Required for OTA distribution |
| City | Required |
| Country | Required |
| Map location | Latitude and longitude. A warning if missing. |
Set the map location in the Location card on the Property tab. Click the map or search an address, then drag the marker to the exact spot. Channels use it to place the property on their maps.
Amenities
- Select at least 20 amenities. Fewer shows as a failing readiness check.
- Prioritize the amenities guests filter by: WiFi, pool, air conditioning, parking, kitchen, washer/dryer.
- Argonautas translates your amenities into each channel's codes. A warning tells you how many of your amenities have no equivalent on a channel. See Amenities.
Photo Requirements
Photos are the biggest factor in booking conversion.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum count | 10 photos for the readiness strip (20+ recommended). A channel needs at least 1 and warns below 5. |
| Primary photo | Required |
| Resolution | At least 1024 x 683 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 landscape preferred |
| File format | JPEG, PNG, WebP, or HEIC |
| File size | Under 20 MB per image |
| Content | No watermarks, text overlays, or collages |
Recommended Photo Order
- Hero or exterior shot (this becomes the listing thumbnail)
- Living room or main gathering space
- Kitchen
- Main bedroom
- Main bathroom
- Other bedrooms
- Pool and outdoor areas
- View and surroundings
- Dining area
- Unique features (game room, spa, rooftop)
Photo Tips
- Shoot in natural light in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Stage rooms with fresh linens and no clutter.
- Include at least one photo of each bedroom and bathroom.
- Show the view if it is a selling point.
See Photos & Channel Certification for uploading and ordering photos.
Content Quality
Description
Your property description should:
- Be at least 200 characters (500+ recommended).
- Lead with what makes the property special.
- Mention the location and nearby attractions.
- Include practical details (check-in, parking, and so on).
- Avoid shouting ("AMAZING!!!").
- Be free of spelling and grammar errors.
OTA Title
The OTA Title on the Property tab is the first thing guests see on a channel. If it is empty, the property name is used.
- Keep it under 50 characters.
- Name the property type and a key feature: "Oceanview Villa with Private Pool".
- Avoid generic titles like "Beautiful House".
Rates and Availability
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| At least one rate period | Required. Add a season on the Pricing tab. |
| Rate coverage | A warning if your rates run out within the next 30 days. |
| Availability | Some dates must be open. |
A property with no rates or a fully blocked calendar cannot be listed.
Common Certification Failures
| Failure | Fix |
|---|---|
| No street address | Fill in Address Line 1 in the Location card |
| Missing map location | Set Map Location in the Location card |
| Too few photos | Upload at least 10 on the Media tab |
| No primary photo | Hover a photo on the Media tab and click the star |
| Description too short | Expand the English description to 200+ characters (500+ is better) |
| No rates | Add a season on the Pricing tab |
| Too few amenities | Select at least 20 on the Amenities tab |
After Certification
Once the checks pass:
- Open the property's Channels tab and connect the channel.
- Map the channel listing and click Activate in the channel's settings.
- Argonautas sends the property's content, rates, and availability to the channel.
- Check the listing on the channel's own site.
See Channel Integration Guide for the details.
Related
- Property Setup: full property configuration guide.
- Photo Requirements: photo standards and gallery tools.
- Amenities: selecting amenities for channels.
- Channel Integration: connecting to OTA channels.